We know about surrender. We’ve trusted our eternity to God and with that, the ongoing work of surrendering to God’s way in the arenas of love, forgiveness, money management, relationships and on and on and on.
What about our hours and days? Have we ever come to the foot of the cross with “time” in our hands to lay at His feet? Have we ever surrendered the use of our hours and the rhythm of our days into God’s keeping, His plan?
With a little twist, Mark 10 could be titled, “The Busy, Young Ruler.” Allow me to give it a try. The “retelling” of this story speaks deeply to the inner chamber of my heart.
As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up to Him and fell on his knees before Him. “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” … “You know the commandments: Do not murder, do not commit adultery, to do steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.”
“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. (What a peek into Jesus’ heart! Jesus has hard words to say to this man, but His motivation is singularly focused. Love.)
“One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, surrender the use of your hours and days. Live in the rhythm I have established and you will have treasure in heaven. Then, come follow me.”
At this, the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because his calendar was very full. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for busy believers to enter the kingdom of God.”
The disciples were amazed at His words (because busy believers are the ones who get the all the work done!). But Jesus said it again, “Children how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a busy believer to enter the kingdom of God.” The disciples were even more amazed and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:17-30
Wow. If this is not powerful enough, Jesus goes on to say that our surrender will be brutal. It will rip and tear from us precious things – people, passions, ministries but, when our surrender is in response to Jesus and the gospel, “we will not fail to receive a hundred times as much in the present age and in the age to come, eternal life.”
But we must be fully aware. With these treasures, also come persecution (vs 30). People will not understand. We will disappoint them. They will press hard and we will feel the sting of their disapproval. I will be tempted to buckle.
When facing this new surrender of time (of my calendar and my commitments) and all the challenges that will arise, I will find all I need in verse 27:
“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Your turn: does this story of “The Busy Young Ruler” speak to you?
Is This Your First Time Here?
Welcome! We’re a group that gathers around the theme, “There has to be a better way.” We’re finding it in the 4-word mission statement, “Run hard. Rest well.”
- It’s a journey into the heart of God. It comes our way through an on-going exploration of four biblical rhythms that revive, replenish and restore: Sabbath Keeping, Sleep (and other simple stress-reducers), Stillness—personal retreat, and Solitude—personal retreat.
- It’s an expedition that challenges us at every turn. It convicts us in deep, tender places. It alters our priorities and plans. It’s not for the faint of heart.
- It’s adventure at its best – as we learn to run the race in a power not our own.
- Where to begin…